Doncaster Rovers appoint Brian Flynn as manager

 

Doncaster Rovers caretaker manager Brian Flynn has been given the position on a deal until the end of the season.

Flynn and skipper Rob Jones, 33, were put in temporary charge after Dean Saunders left for Wolves.

The ex-Wales caretaker boss will continue to be assisted by Jones, who has taken on a player-coach role.

Analysis

BBC Radio Sheffield sport reporter Rob Staton:

Not many people expected Doncaster Rovers to be fighting for promotion this season and it's testament to the work of Dean Saunders that he left them in such a strong position in League One.

His departure to Wolves was a major blow and chairman John Ryan quickly went about drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements.

Flynn was initially placed in caretaker charge along with captain Rob Jones and Ryan told me today that the former Swansea boss won the job because he wanted to maintain continuity.

He'll continue to be assisted by Jones and the pair will go about trying to plot an instant return to the Championship.

Earlier on Thursday Flynn, 57, revealed to BBC Radio Sheffield that he was keen to take on the position in a longer-term capacity.

"Possession is nine tenths of the law, I've got the job at the moment and I await their decision," he said.

"There is a quality team here with loads of confidence who want to win every game.

"I've been out of the frontline of League management for eight years now but I've really enjoyed the last two weeks."

The former Wrexham boss, who had two spells with Rovers as a player, has not managed a club since leaving Swansea in 2004, although he had a short spell as caretaker boss of the Wales national side three years ago while in charge of their youth set-up.

Chairman John Ryan told the club website:  "We had an overwhelming number of applications for the position, including former international and Premiership managers, however after a detailed process we felt that our initial choice, Brian was the best person to put in charge and would allow a seamless transition.

"Brian has a great history at the club and is being assisted by our current captain Rob Jones, who has earned the respect of his teammates and fans this season through his commanding leadership."

It is a first coaching job for former Scunthorpe, Hibernian and Sheffield Wednesday defender Jones.

After they led Doncaster to a 2-1 win over Stevenage last Saturday, he said: "It's been absolutely brilliant so far. I'm loving it and we'll see what next week brings."

Rovers are second in League One, four points clear of third-placed Brentford.

Flynn's first game in permanent charge will be against Leyton Orient on Saturday.